Birmingham school board honors UA player Marcell Dareus

Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus (57) celebrates after the BCS National Championship Game at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 7, 2009. (Birmingham News/ Mark Almond)Marcell Dareus, the University of Alabama football player who knocked University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy out of the BCS championship game, was honored Tuesday at the Birmingham Board of Education.

He was joined by his parents and other family members, his former coach and principal from Huffman High School, and other school officials.

Dareus, who was named Most Valuable Defensive Player for the title game, was praised for his contributions at Huffman -- including his record of 117 tackles, 20 sacks and a touchdown his senior year -- and at UA.

"In one hit, Marcell Dareus turned a really tough game for the Tide into an all-but-done deal," said Board President W.J. Maye.

Dareus, who stayed afterward to sign autographs and pose for photographs, said he never dreamed he'd be brought before the school board. He also said he was thrilled his mother, who was in a wheelchair and at one point donned a houndstooth cap, was able to be there.